Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery

by Ellen Butler

Is Karina’s missing aunt on vacation…or on the lam?

Karina is trying to keep her mind on getting a cosponsor for a bill, but it’s tough with her Mom blowing up her phone. By the time Karina finally stops hitting “ignore”, Mom is frantic. It appears Karina’s Aunt Vera has disappeared, fibbed to her employer about the reason for her absence, even abandoned her beloved cat, Nightshade—which is completely out of character. Karina would bet her favorite pair of designer shoes that Vera is in some kind of trouble.

However, when Karina hauls her cookies from D.C. to historic Williamsburg to search Vera’s house, she finds nothing suspicious. Except for a mischievous Civil War ghost who scares the bejesus out of her and keeps trashing Vera’s office. Until Karina realizes his seemingly random ectoplasmic tantrums have a purpose—revealing key evidence.

Something is definitely fishy, but the clues aren’t adding up. And as the spirit’s visitations become more urgent, Karina calls on reinforcements for help—her latest squeeze Rick Donovan and her sister Jillian. Because the cops are following faulty leads, which could put Vera on the wrong end of an arrest warrant … if she’s found alive.

International bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Butler presents book six in the Karina Cardinal mystery series! Fans of Elizabeth Peters and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will adore this gripping mystery adventure.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2023

About the author

Ellen Butler is bestselling novelist writing critically acclaimed suspense and award winning romance novels. Coming in May- the first Karina Cardinal Mystery, about a intelligent D.C. lobbyist with a sharp wit, and a curiosity to rival Jessica Fletcher into. Karina’s inquisitiveness pulls her into one adventure after another occasionally putting herself or those she loves into danger. Ellen is also the author of bestselling historical suspense, The Brass Compass about a beautiful American spy whose cover is blown behind enemy lines. She flees into the night, and on her own, she must live by her wits to evade capture and make it to the safety of the Allied forces. Ellen's award winning romances are from the Love, California Style series which includes Heart of Design, Planning for Love, and Art of Affection.

Ellen holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing for dry, but illuminating, professional newsletters and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s overactive and romantic imagination to run wild.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectral Revelations is the sixth book in the amazing Karina Cardinal Mysteries by Ellen Butler. I was so excited to see Ellen had another book out. I love this series and each book just keeps getting better and better. Each book could be read as a standalone, but I strongly encourage you to go back to book one where it all began, and we first met Karina. They are great stories.
Ellen is a master at mystery and sure knows how to write a great story wrapped in lots of suspense, drama, danger, tension and so much more.
Karina Cardinal and the gang are back, and I just love them all. Karina has the knack for finding herself in trouble or should I say trouble finds her but whatever happens it is a fun journey. Things go from bad to worse as she tries to solve the mystery of what has happened to Aunt Vera.
With ghosts, humour, great characters and lots of surprises make for an amazing journey.
Spectral Revelations is gripping, unpredictable and thrilling. It will have you laughing and your heart pounding at the same time. I love that we never know where Ellen will take the story or what is going to happen next.
Another a brilliant tale from the legendary Ellen Butler. I thoroughly enjoy them.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Gah! You have no idea how excited I was to find that we were getting another Karina Cardinal mystery. I have adored her, and the series since the very beginning and I was starting to fret that there wouldn’t be another instalment. So colour me EXCITED!!!
Spectral Revelations is the sixth exciting instalment in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series by Ellen Butler. This is an excellent mystery- with intriguing developments, crime and investigation, tension, some action, suspense, drama, emotion, agendas, set ups, banter, humour, colourful + quirky characters, and even a touch of the supernatural.
Ms. Butler is a talented storyteller who never fails to deliver a cleverly constructed story, with each one upping the ante on the last. She always comes up with original and intriguing details that she constructs her stories around- which gives them their own unique flavour and identity. This one has a paranormal/supernatural touch that gives it an extra element of intrigue, tension, and mysteriousness. Again, Ms. Butler manages to create some intensity, with dramatic developments and gripping tension- which made the whole story quite an unpredictable and riveting ‘ride’.
As we know from previous books, Karina Cardinal is a lawyer turned lobbyist in Washington D.C. She’s smart, controlled, spirited, independent and hard-working- but is also a bit of a magnet for trouble. Here, Karina is pulled into another mystery when her beloved aunt goes missing. Things surrounding her aunt's disappearance are quite suspicious, and as we’ve come to know from past events, Karina can’t help but do some digging into the situation to try to uncover what happened (plus she’s voraciously curious by nature). Is her aunt in trouble, or is she guilty of a crime and gone on the run? With the help of her security expert boyfriend Rick, her sister Jilly, and Jilly’s fiancé Tony- the ‘Scooby Gang’ begin to unravel the mystery- unearthing corruption, greed, desperation, secrets, schemes, and more. Add in a ‘helpful’, albeit spooky ghost- and things take an engrossing turn.
This is a fantastic story - wonderfully woven into a rich, detailed and thoroughly polished mystery- packed full of surprises which kept me avidly reading the whole way through.
I can’t wait for more Karina Cardinal!!

Thank you, Ellen Butler!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th story in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. This book can be read as a standalone however I do recommend reading them all so you get a complete understanding of the characters and can see their growth and development in each story.
This is a cosy paranormal mystery which I loved. It is fast paced and full of secrets that Karina has to discover and solve in order to figure out the case. There as so many twists and turns that the reader is kept guessing all the way through.

When Karina's Aunt Vera goes missing there is a question over whether this was a genuine disappearance or just Aunt Vera wanting to disappear for a while. After Karina hears about her Aunts disappearance she has a feeling she's in trouble. After all Karina seems to attract nothing but trouble recently. As she starts her search she gets some help from a unexpected being who holds some of the clues to her aunts disappearance. However it will take all of Karine's sleuthing skills to be able to unravel the clues as they are twisted and distorted with lies and corruption. Can she solve this case in time? Is Aunt Vera really in danger or just hiding from something?

One things for sure with Karine's strength and determined character she won't let anyone stop her from getting to the bottom of this mystery.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of this series I was looking forward to catching up with our heroine Karina Cardinal, who now feels like an old friend. As usual I was hooked from page one by this gripping mystery adventure which kept me happily turning the pages. Karina’s Aunt Vera has disappeared having lied to her employer about the reason for her absence and abandoning her beloved cat Nightshade, which she would never do. As this is out of character for Vera, Karina is convinced that her Aunt is in trouble, however nothing suspicious is found when she searches her house, other than a ghost!
A mischievous Civil War ghost seems to be living in Vera’s house and he keeps trashing her office, Karina realises that he’s actually helping by revealing key evidence. As the clues aren’t adding up for Karina she calls on her sister Jillian and boyfriend Rick Donovan to help. Meanwhile, the cops seem to be following faulty leads which could see Vera being arrested, but Karina just wants to find her Aunt alive. This cozy mystery has an exciting storyline, quirky characters, plenty of drama and mystery as well as a paranormal twist, all of which kept me gripped throughout. The setting and characters are brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story. This series seems to get better with each book, and I look forward to being back with Karina again soon!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectral Revelations
By: Ellen Butler

Holy cow! This Karina Cardinal mystery is the newest and just when I thought I couldn’t love the character and series any more Ellen Butler delivers with a book that blows the others out of the water. This book has some supernatural elements which is a new element to the series. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this addition, but in true Karina Cardinal fashion it fit right in with the amazing cast of characters that already existed. This is also added to what I have come to expect from Karina Cardinal - a mystery that keeps me guessing from the very start, suspense, drama, amazing dialogue and characters that add to the depth of the plot.
This book is absolutely fantastic. When Karina’s aunt goes missing - she has no choice but to really investigate what has happened. Yet, as with all of the previous books, Karina has bitten off more than she chewed. And she discovers that finding her aunt is going to really involve more than she ever expected.
Once again, I truly believe that each of these books would function as a standalone, however, I truly recommend reading all of them. There is some character overlap and also there are so very many amazing mysteries to be read. Definitely don’t miss out on this one!

[Rebeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries series. The books can be read as standalones, but I would recommend reading them in order to understand the characters better.
This is once again a fun mystery with great characters which sucked me in so well! The author’s writing style flowed well and was easy to follow while the plot was unique, fun and engaging. We even get a bit of spook in perfect timing to read for Halloween.
The lovable Karina is back, still strong, independent and determined, just some of the many things that make me fall in love with her in every book. As usual, trouble seems to find Karina all too easily; when something isn’t right, she can’t help but investigate. The large group dynamic is different with everyone involved, but still great fun and in a way better as the relationships and interactions are more entertaining.
This one is definitely one of my favourites of the series, and I’m really hoping for more book in the series soon to feed my obsession!

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectral Revelations is Book Six in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. It is a cozy mystery with drama, danger, ghosts, secrets, lies, greed, and corruption. In her most recent adventure Karina finds herself trying to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her aunt. Uncertain if her aunt has disappeared on her accord or if something bad happened Karina delves into the mystery headfirst to see what happened. When she goes to her aunt’s home, she finds a mischievous ghost that seems to be wreaking havoc in her aunt’s home. At first Karina brushes off the ghost’s behaviour but soon realizes that he is leaving her clues to help solve her aunt’s disappearance. As usual Karina learns more than she bargained for when she uncovers secrets, lies, and corruption. Another great read in this amazing series. The author has a way of pulling you into the story and fully immersing you in the mystery until the very end. The characters are unique, quirky, funny, and entertaining. I absolutely loved the addition of the paranormal element and Karina’s ghostly crime solver.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectral revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) By Ellen Butler. I love this series and was so excited to see there was another book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading them in order to get a better feel of the characters. They are really good paranormal mysteries. Karina and her friends are back with another mystery, Karina's Aunt Vera has disappeared and her mom insists they investigate. Karina is a attorney who has now become a lobbyist. She always seems to run into trouble everywhere she goes so when her Aunt Vera goes missing she is of course going to investigate. Karina and her boyfriend Rick and the gang all help her figure out if Aunt Vera is in trouble or if she has run away. They find all kinds of corruption, greed and schemes galore! Will they be able to find Aunt Vera before its too late? I love this series so much and hope there is another book.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. This is the sixth book which is just as great as the previous books. I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series to help your enhancement of the characters and this author’s writing skills. This is a well written story that is not only full of mystery but also hard to put down. Karina is back in another mystery but what happens when she has to call in recruitments and the clues are just not adding up. I enjoy Karina’s character. She is a strong character that makes the story easy to read. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters and the plot throughout the story. I enjoyed how they brought the story to life on each page. I found this book to be fast paced and engaging. This is an entertaining story that I enjoyed reading. I highly recommend this book.

[Jules Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to start by saying I love this talented author and her wonderful writing style, creative storylines and her ability to keep her readers totally captivated and engaged from start to finish. Karina is a wonderful character who I just couldn't help falling for. Trouble always seems to find her and when her aunt suspiciously disappears she simply has to try to uncover what happened. The twists and turns that follow will keep you hooked for sure!
This is the 6th book in this fantastic series and while it can absolutely be read as a standalone and thoroughly enjoyed I recommend reading the entire series right from the start to enhance your reading experience. I know I am definitely going back to the start to enjoy it as a whole.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another brilliant book within this series and I was so excited to get my hands on the newest book. I loved that it was so easy to reconnect with the main character. I was pulled straight into this story and could not put it down. I wanted to see how the mystery would unravel and where the story would lead us.
This author always knows how to create a good story, and I think this one is easily one of the best. The fact that we are six books into this and it is still as good as when it first started is testament to how amazing this author is. I enjoyed every single part of this book and I will be re-reading the whole series after this.

[Sarah King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the first for me both from this series as well as by this author, but it won't be the last. The sixth in the series, this book can be read as a stand alone but if I had to guess it would be even better read in order if for no other reason than the character development you gain as the series develops.

I found the writing to be well developed, humorous , laugh out loud at moments , easy - to - read , and not wanting to put to book down. I can not wait for the next book book by Butler. But while I am waiting, I will be going back to read the rest of the series.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book six in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries series. You could definitely read this as a standalone, but I recommend that you read them all in order. Because not only are they just that good but it will help you keep up with character development. Just in time for Halloween, a light fun paranormal mystery with some drama, suspense, ghosts, action and some great humor. Wonderfully written each book just gets better and better.

[Elisha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler- 5 out of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this authors work and I just have to say that it definitely will not be the last. The character development was great throughout the book. Suspense, mystery, unpredictability, drama, and so much more! This book had it all. I highly recommend reading this book and all of the others in this thrilling series.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fun mystery. I loved Karina, Rick, Jillian and Tony. I loved that there was a paranormal aspect to this story. This was my first book in this series and I had no problem getting to know all the characters. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Shirley F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting Concept

The story has an interesting concept and was very predictable. I wouldn't recommend it though. On a positive note, I learned something new about the Art Museum in Williamsburg.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bookclub. Enjoyed the local setting and ease of the mystery. A few laugh out loud moments helped.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure hope we get more adventures from Ms. Cardinal, but as I write this review this is the last book of the series. In this one it took an interesting paranormal turn. Karina's aunt Vera has gone missing and Karina is on the case. With the exception that it is out of character for her aunt to just disappear and leave behind her cat without a word, nothing seems out of place. When Karina comes across a Civil War Era ghost trashing her aunt's study she thinks it's just throwing a tantrum. That is until she discovers clues in how the thrashing happen. The cops have everything wrong according to what she is being shown, but how will she convince them of such things? Will she be able to bring Vera back alive? These books were too good to put down. Each one could be read as a standalone if you wanted, but I much preferred reading them in order. If mystery thrillers are your cup of tea any of these would be great to read.